GIVING

We are giving back to our local and global communities by donating to a range of charities both big and small and supporting the amazing work they do. Some of these relationships are ongoing, and others involve one-off support of a campaign or fundraising event. You can find more detail on our donations to different causes in our Annual Transparency Report.

1% FOR THE PLANET

We are proud members of 1% for the Planet, committing to donate 1% of all sales to environmental non-profit groups. 1% for the Planet was founded in 2002, by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, making environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising and third-party certification.
Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental non-profits working toward a better future for all.
Joining 1% for the Planet represents a milestone for ELK, and is part of our commitment to climate action and our broader giving approach focusing on the three pillars of environmental protection, empowering women, and supporting local communities.
We are proud to be part of a global movement that is addressing the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

"Protecting our environment and giving back to create positive change are core values for ELK. Joining 1% for the Planet is a formal commitment to progressing our journey towards better products and better business".
Marnie Goding, ELK Co-Founder & Creative Director.

Learn more about 1% for the Planet here.

Tree Project

In April 2020 ELK committed to donate $2 for every online order to TreeProject for seedlings to restore indigenous Australian vegetation. TreeProject trains and supports volunteers to propagate and care for the seedlings of indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses in their back yards which are then planted to create nature corridors, leading to the much needed re-vegetation and restoration of Victorian eco-systems.
The organisation aims to foster a sense of community through practical, achievable and enduring environmental projects – allowing individuals to develop skills and knowledge around vegetation.

"This investment is one for future generations and we truly value partnering with a company that is so proactive in their ethical and sustainability practices.”
Stephanie Menere, TreeProject President

Learn more about TreeProject here.

UNICEF

ELK is proud to be a UNICEF Platinum Champion for Children, having been in partnership with the organisation since 2011. Under our 1% for the Planet membership, we are now directing our donations to UNICEF’s Safe and Clean Environment Global Fund, which implements water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects around the world to safeguard the right of all children to a safe and clean environment.

You can read about the UNICEF WASH program here.

POSITIVE CHANGE FOR MARINE LIFE

Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) is an Australian based not-for-profit organisation working with communities around the world to create long-term solutions for marine conservation issues. Guided by core values of understanding, education, and respect, their mission is to empower coastal communities to take charge of their future, while protecting and conserving the coastal ecosystems that they rely on.

Projects focus on waste and fisheries management; marine ecosystem remediation, source-based pollution solutions and upcycling, all underpinned by behavioural change through education, training and citizen science.

In 2020, PCFML's Global Program in India was selected as one of the Top 20 Waste to Wealth projects by the United Nations.

"We believe that change is possible, and that business has a significant and valuable part to play in that change. We see the partnership between ELK and PCFML as a truly unique opportunity to drive awareness and create long-term change across Australia and beyond."
Karl Goodsell, Founder and CEO, Positive Change for Marine Life.

To learn more about PCFML, please visit here.

CHARITY FACE MASKS

In response to government guidelines to wear face coverings in public to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we produced our first reusable triple-layer masks from our remnant fabric in 2020. These were sold through our stores and online, with 100% of the profits donated directly to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC). We are excited to have second range of face masks available in the near future with profits again being donated to charity.

FITTED FOR WORK

We are thrilled to partner with Fitted for Work for their new RED (Retail Experience Development) program - a program designed to support young women under the age of 25 to gain experience and confidence to launch a career in retail. This program addresses barriers for young women around high youth unemployment, lack of experience and networks and low levels of confidence.
To support this program, ELK will take part in an annual retail webinar event for 25 participants presenting on various topics related to careers in retail. We will also support participants through work experience and learning placements. Young women will leave the program supported by a Fitted for Work mentor and equipped and confident to apply for retail roles.

"For many women, the first step to getting work is simply having a suitable outfit to wear to interviews. This program aims to help women experiencing disadvantage secure sustainable employment".

VOLUNTEERING

We are creating more opportunities for our team to give back to our planet and our community - through volunteering, cash donations and mentoring.

January 2020 saw the long-awaited launch of our ELK Employee Volunteer policy, which provides all permanent ELK employees with 2 days of paid volunteer leave each year. Alongside this new policy we will be coordinating group volunteering events throughout the year for the ELK team.

OXFAM

Over the Easter 2021 long weekend we supported the work of Oxfam by gifting an Easter chicken to a family in Vanuatu for a every online order. Oxfam is supporting increased access to food by providing families with the training, support and livestock to raise chickens. Chickens gifted through charitable Easter donations provide valuable food and fertiliser, and help these families earn living by selling eggs at market.

You can find out more about the work of Oxfam Australia here.

BUSHFIRE RELIEF

In February 2020, the ELK community raised over $28K for a range of bushfire relief initiatives, including $11K for the Kangaroo Island Glossy Black Cockatoo Recovery Program.

You can learn about the program here.

LOCAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

We have enormous respect for the efforts of local public schools, kindergartens and community groups who raise funds to operate and improve their facilities and programs. We donate around 200 products a year to these local community initiatives.